The Balance is now available on Spotify!
As educators grapple with the challenges of teaching remotely, I wanted to share some tips for navigating the shift from offline to online teaching. Unlike my regular episodes where I chat with a guest, this mini-episode is just me (and my cat). I share three quick tips that I hope will help other teachers.
In this mini-episode, I suggest that teachers plan for a week at a time so that students can self-pace through assignments and enjoy the flexibility of learning online. I encourage teachers to embrace a “less is more” mentality because everything tasks longer online. I also remind teachers that they must take care of themselves if they are going to be mentally and emotionally available to support their students.
In this episode, I mention lesson planning for the online environment. If you want more information about planning online learning experiences, check out my article “Successfully Taking Offline Classes Online” that was featured in a special distance learning edition of Educational Leadership.
I also mention the well-being boards I designed with Dr. Maria Hersey for teachers, teenagers, and elementary students (and their parents). You are welcome to make a copy and use any of these health and well-being choice boards.
If you have tips related to teaching online…a favorite strategy, technology tool, or activity, please take a moment and post a comment. If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with other educators who might enjoy it.
2 Responses
Dear Catlin,
As always, I appreciate all your ideas, tips, and insight. Right after schools closed, either you or Alice Keeler posted a suggestion for teachers to help keep our students organized. Use Google Slides to post agendas, announcements and information daily. Each day, add the new slides to the top of the deck. I teach 8th grade ELA and US History. This strategy helps me AND helps the kids stay on top of our classes. However, I added one additional feature… after 2 weeks of remote learning, I saw a decline in engagement. I pushed out a Google Form/Survey asking for input. So many of them stated it was really challenging to scroll through Google Classroom looking for all the links to the Padlets and Docs that we use. So… I added 3 more slides the routine: a slide with relevant links to ELA, SS, and Just for Fun. THAT made all the difference with the kids. I’ve shared the slide deck with you, just in case you are curious.
Keep doing what you’re doing… it DOES make a difference.
Hi Andi!
That is wonderful feedback from your students! I wish more teachers checked in with their students about how online learning strategies are working for them. I am thrilled that a simple adjustment made all of the difference. I also appreciate you taking the time to share this tip here so other teachers can learn from your experience.
Take care.
catlin